30 Essential Items for Your Work From Home Office Checklist (2024)

Looking for a complete work from home office checklist? You’ve come to the right place!

Whether you’re new to working from home or just starting out, there are a few things you need to ensure are on your home office checklist to work from home.

We at The Tutor Resource have been working remotely since well before the trend became fashionable in 2020. Since the early 2010s, actually! So we know exactly what works (and what doesn’t) in a successful home office setup.

From furniture and decor to desks and accessories, this work from home office checklist has everything you need to set yourself up for success!

Home Office Checklist: The Space

At the top of your home office checklist, make sure to determine the perfect space to work. If you don’t have a dedicated office or study space, you’ll need to create one.

Ensure it’s someplace quiet where you can focus. Perhaps invest in some accordion walls to act as separators and create an artificial room.

To decide where to set up your home office, it’s helpful to ask yourself a few questions:

✔️ What will you need for a home office? Do you work mostly on your computer or do you need extra space to work with printed documents?

✔️ Do you work primarily online? Is a strong and reliable internet connection essential for your work?

✔️ Do you expect to do regular video conferences with your coworkers? What do you want the show in your background when doing a video call?

✔️ Do you have kids at home? Do you need a quiet and isolated place to work without distraction or interruption?

Once you determine your needs, you can better create the perfect space from which to start fulfilling your home office checklist.

Must-Have Items for Your Home Office Checklist

We’ve polled our customers and other work-from-home experts to create this must-have home office checklist.

While you may not want to get everything on it right away, keep the home office checklist handy so that you can fill in the gaps later on, if necessary.

Home Office Checklist: Basic Essentials

1. Adjustable Desk

Contributed by Donna from Explore the Road with Donnamarie

Sitting all day at a desk is bad for circulation. It can also lead to weight gain. However, what can you do when you have an office job?

SHW Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk with Hanging Hooks and Cable Management, 48 x 24 Inches, Oak

Especially when you work from home. It’s not like you can park the car far away to get in some extra steps. 

An adjustable desk will allow you to alternate between standing and sitting positions easily. You can even raise the height slightly to accommodate a stationary bike peddler for some exercise while sitting.

👉 We recommend putting this adjustable desk on your home office checklist.

Then raise the height, and you can do some low-impact stretches while standing at your desk. The desk will change heights at the touch of the button, and you will just as easily reduce back and neck strain by not hunching over your desk all day.

By switching your positions your circulation will improve, making you feel more energized in no time.

2. Computer

If you’re going to be working from home, of course, you need a computer. Whether you choose a desktop or a laptop is up to you.

HP 2021 14 inch HD Laptop Newest for Business and Student, AMD Athlon Silver 3050U (Beat i5-7200U), 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, 802.11ac, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, Windows 10 w/HESVAP 3in1 Accessories

However, keep in mind that working from home allows you the flexibility to work from anywhere in your home.

If you’re tired of sitting (or standing) at your desk, then try the armchair. Put your feed up on the ottoman to relax during a conference call.

You can only do that if you have a laptop though. So think carefully about how you want to work in your new space.

3. Ergonomic Chair

Everyone needs an office chair for their work-from-home space. However, we recommend you consider putting an ergonomic chair on your home office checklist.

Office Chair, Ergonomic Mesh Home Office Computer Chair with Lumbar Support/Adjustable Headrest/Armrest and Wheels/Mesh High Back/Swivel Rolling (Black)

Ergonomic chairs have sufficient padding and depth to help support the hips and reduce this stress and pressure.

Another major benefit of ergonomic chairs is the positive effect they have on blood flow. Adjusting your seat to a 90-degree angle allows proper circulation in the legs.

👉 This chair has excellent reviews. Plus, it comes in three styles and four colors to suit your needs.

Using ergonomic office products can reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders that damage the neck and back. If you’re going to be sitting for long periods, it’s best to do so in a chair that will help your body be its best.

5. Lighting

Contributed by Veronica of Veronica June Photography

No home office checklist is complete without good lighting! Working from a home office means you will be at work at unpredictable times. 

OttLite Charge Up LED Desk Lamp with Wireless Qi Charging & USB Charging Port, with ClearSun LED Technology – Adjustable Neck, 3 Color Temperature Modes, Reduces Eyestrain – Travel-Friendly Task Lamp

OttLite Thrive LED Sanitizing Desk Lamp with Clock and USB Charging – Eliminates up to 99.9% of Bacteria, Touch Activated, Flexible Neck, Modern Light for Reading, Crafting & Office Desktop

You may be a morning person and get your best work done at dawn. 

Or you may like to burn the midnight oil and work late into the night. 

Either way, you need to have good, solid lighting to get the job done!

👉 The OttLite is your best choice for fashion, function, and versatility. 

It comes in several different styles, all with various settings and features, and is healthy for your eyes. Plus there’s a built-in charging port.

If you’re looking for a desk lamp, look no further. Prefer a floor lamp? No worries!  The OttLite comes in dozens of styles meant for all types of office space. 

With so many choices available, you will have no problem finding a model that fits your workspace and decor. There’s a lamp for every style!

Fun Fact: The OttLite even makes a great gift!

Other features, such as foldability, which makes your lamp more portable (great if you live the digital nomad life), built-in magnification, an onboard digital clock, and even a sanitizing feature, are all available depending on the model you choose.

6. Keyboard

Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard – Black. Wired, Comfortable, Ergonomic Keyboard with Cushioned Wrist and Palm Support. Split Keyboard. Dedicated Office Key.

If you have a desktop computer, then a keyboard is essential. Even if you have a laptop, though, you may still want a separate keyboard.

After all, many laptops don’t have standard keyboard sizes. This can be cumbersome when typing, especially if you’re used to larger spaces between the keys.

👉 We recommend this ergonomic keyboard.

7. Mouse

Again, if you have a desktop computer a mouse is essential. However, you may still want a mouse if you are not used to a laptop trackpad.

TECKNET USB Wired Mouse, 6-Button Corded Mouse with 2 Adjustable DPI, Optical Computer Mouse with Ergonomic Design and 5FT Cord for Laptop, Chromebook, PC, Desktop, Mac, Notebook-Gray

You’ll then need to choose between a wired and wireless mouse.

There are benefits to both, but we prefer a wired ergonomic mouse. The shape promotes wrist health and you never have to worry about charging it.

8. Ergonomic Mousepad

To go with your mouse, you need a mousepad. The laser inside of a computer mouse doesn’t pick up movement as well on a lacquered desktop.

TECKNET USB Wired Mouse, 6-Button Corded Mouse with 2 Adjustable DPI, Optical Computer Mouse with Ergonomic Design and 5FT Cord for Laptop, Chromebook, PC, Desktop, Mac, Notebook-Gray

To help maintain healthy wrists, consider investing in an ergonomic mousepad.

The gel-filled bumps help prevent you from resting your wrists on the desk surface so that your hands are properly positioned to prevent carpal tunnel.

Home Office Checklist: Technical Details

9. Headset

Regardless of the industry in which you work, a good headset is essential.

ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4 Wireless Gaming Headset with USB-C 2.4 GHz Adapter | Ai Powered Noise-Cancelling Microphone | Over-ear Headphones for PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, and PS5/4

You want to ensure that you can hear your clients or coworkers.

But you also want to ensure that that they can hear you.

And that they don’t hear your dog, your kids, or your neighbor’s lawnmower.

10. Webcam

Video chatting and video conferencing are all the rage these days.

NexiGo N60 1080P Webcam with Microphone, Adjustable FOV, Zoom, Software Control & Privacy Cover, USB HD Computer Web Camera, Plug and Play, for Zoom/Skype/Teams, Conferencing and Video Calling

You need a good web camera (aka: webcam) to get through an average workday.

Many laptop computers come with webcams. However, not all of them do.

If your laptop comes with a webcam, test it out. If the video quality is poor, then invest in a good external webcam as well.

11. Stable Internet

To work from home successfully, fast internet is important. What some people don’t realize is that speed is only one component. The other, possibly more important aspect, is stability.

The speed helps you speak to clients and coworkers at a normal pace. However, the stability keeps the internet from dropping mid-call.

The fastest and most stable internet is broadband. Cable internet is another way of saying broadband. It’s generally more reliable than satellite internet, but that is also fairly good unless the weather is really poor.

12. Printer

Despite the prevalence of e-signing software these days, nothing can replace having actual signed contracts and materials from time to time.

HP DeskJet 2755e Wireless Color inkjet-printer, Print, scan, copy, Easy setup, Mobile printing, Best-for home, Instant Ink with HP+,white

Call us old-fashioned, but we consider a printer to be an essential home office checklist item.

It’s especially helpful to get an all-in-one printer that also scans and copies.

That way you don’t have to run to the library or local copy shop when you need to do stuff like that.

13. Surge Protector

Surge protectors help extend the lifespan of your electronics. Power strikes and surges put your electronics at risk.

Wall Charger, Surge Protector, QINLIANF 5 Outlet Extender with 4 USB Charging Ports (4.8A Total) 3-Sided 1680J Power Strip Multi Plug Adapter Spaced for Home Travel Office (3U1C)

Avoid this by buying a surge protector in which to plug all of your home office electronics.

Lightning strikes, power outages, grid malfunctions, and several other electrical problems cause spikes. Power surges usually happen because of issues with a power grid.

14. Data Backup Service

The main reason to have a data backup is to have a secure archive of your important information. This applies whether the backup is for important business documents or treasured family photos.

Pro Tip: Restoring your device quickly and seamlessly in the event of data loss is key to being able to work from your home office.

Businesses have this system in place automatically when you work in their location. When you’re working from a home office, often the burden is on you to prevent data loss.

15. Software

In addition to office and email software, you will want to consider something for project organization as well as something for anti-virus protection.

If you work for a company as an employee, they may give you login credentials for email and/or an office suite program, like Microsoft.

If they don’t, our favorites are Google for email and office (Sheets and Docs). We also like Trello for project organization and Avast for anti-virus protection.

Each of these is a paid service for companies but they offer free versions to individuals or freelancers.

16. Paper Shredder

A paper shredder helps to declutter your workspace.

Amazon Basics 6 Sheet Cross Cut Paper and Credit Card Home Office Shredder with 3.8 Gallon Bin, Black

In addition, it helps to separate waste paper from other waste streams This is better for the environment.

Lastly, shredding paper reduces the volume of paper waste. Shredded paper tends to take up less volume in your paper recycle container than un-shredded documents.

Home Office Checklist: Desk Details

17. Phone Charger

Just like a desk in a workplace office, you want to keep your cell phone charged while you work. If you don’t get the Ottlite we discussed before, you’ll need a separate setup.

murnowy Multi Charging Cable 3A (2Pack 5FT) Nylon Braided Universal 4 in 1 Multiple Ports Devices USB Charger Cord with Type C/Micro USB Connectors for Phones Tablets (Charging Only)

This way you can receive calls or take care of other essentials on your phone whenever you need to do so.

If you are worried about getting interrupted by personal matters while you’re working, put your phone on vibrate or silent while it’s charging on your home office desk.

18. Cable Clips

There are a lot of cables in an office. You need to connect printers, monitors, keyboards, and mice to the computer.

OHill Desk Cable Management Cord Organizer, 16 Pack Black Self Adhesive Cord Holder Cable Clips, Ideal Cable Organizer Wire Keeper for Desk, Nightstand, Phone Charger, Computer, Home, Office, Car

In addition, you need to organize your cell phone, tablet, or other devices.

The cords add up. So invest in some cable clips to bundle your cords together.

This will give your home office a cleaner and more organized feeling. In turn, the organized feeling will help you feel and be more productive.

19. iPad Stand

Contributed by Yesenia of The Sisters who Voyage

If you use a tablet, you probably have run into the common issue of it being an awkward device to hold due to its large size.

UGREEN Tablet Stand Holder Adjustable Portable Desktop Holder Dock Office Desk Accessories Compatible for iPad 10.2/iPad Pro 11 Inch/iPad 9.7/iPad Mini 5/4/3/2/iPad Air/iPhone 15/14/13/12 White

Common fixes include getting a cover with a built-in stand. However, those can be pretty bulky or stick-on stands that are flimsy.

So instead, use a stand specifically dedicated to holding tablets, ebook readers, and phones.

👉 We recommend the UGREEN tablet stand holder

The UGREEN tablet holder provides sturdy and adjustable support for tablet use with an adjustable bend from 0 degrees to 100 degrees for a customizable view for your needs.

The tablet holder also sports a non-slip and anti-slip silicone pad at the bottom and inside the joint of the stand, so your tablet doesn’t slide off.

It’s also a stand that can be easily transported from place to place due to its ability to fold and compact size, so you can easily take this on your next long flight and work on the go. 

20. Storage

Home office checklists often overlook storage. After all, it’s not as exciting as a new computer. Nor is it beautiful like a new rug. However, it is still essential.

DEVAISE 5-Drawer Wood Dresser Chest with Door, Mobile Storage Cabinet, Printer Stand for Home Office

Investing in good home office storage drawers with a filing system will help you maintain a tidy office. In addition, it will help you avoid misplacing important documents.

This will save you time throughout the day as well as lower your overall stress levels.

In addition, the right storage options will help you keep track of when you need new supplies so that you don’t run out at inopportune times.

21. Planner

Using a planner allows you to schedule each event, appointment, errand, and task. This way, you know what to expect and don’t run out of time to complete everything.

Clever Fox Planner PRO – Weekly & Monthly Life Planner to Increase Productivity, Time Management and Hit Your Goals, 8.5×11″ (Rose Gold)

2024 Beginner Bullet Journal: Where Structure Meets Creativity: Your Ultimate Companion for a Productive Year

Set specific due dates and deadlines for everything to help you stay on track. Doing this will allow you to have extra time left for yourself and your family.

Maintaining an effective work-life balance is extra important when you work from home. So take time to choose a planner that best suits your needs.

22. Multi-Colored Sticky Notes

Contributed by Sara of Math Easily

When working in the office, it is often necessary to take various notes.

Sticky Notes 3×3 Inches,Bright Colors Self-Stick Pads, Easy to Post for Home, Office, Notebook, 82 Sheets/pad

Not only will they help you record important reminders, but they will also brighten up your workplace with nice colors. 

Bright memo pads make your message more noticeable.

👉 These 3×3-inch Sticky Notes are perfect for a home office. 

Sticky notes are strong adhesive, to ensure that the pastel sticky notes will not fall off and be removed cleanly. Allowed to re-stick, multiple times without losing its stickiness.

Pro Tip: They are great helpers in the office, at home, and at school for all kinds of messages.

Sticky notes can be pasted on the wall, blackboard, computer, desktop, refrigerator and almost all other smooth surfaces. The task is well visible, and when it is completed, you can easily remove the paper.

Eye-catching bulk sticky notes work as wonderful reminders. You can choose the size and the color. Usually they are available in these bright colors: yellow, red, orange, green, blue and pink. Use sticky notes so your thoughts get noticed.

23. Office Stationery

It’s a good idea to get some storage boxes as well as invest in your own stationery.

Stationery items can often be purchased in bulk at a very low price. So, it’s worth stocking up so that you have supplies covered for weeks, months, or even years. Here are all the stationery items we recommend to get started.

• Printer paper
• Pens
• Pencils
• Highlighters
• Notebook or legal pad
• Binders
• Folders
• Stapler
• Staples
• Staple remover
• Scissors
• Paperclips
• Document sorter/holder

Home Office Checklist: Decor & Personal Items

24. Large Decor Items

When you’re outfitting a home office, plan for more than just a desk and chair. While those are important you also need a few other furniture items to make your home office more comfortable.

Pro Tip: If you’re outfitting your home office on a budget, check out a local thrift store or visit Ikea.

Invest in a comfortable armchair as well as a small coffee table or ottoman so you can recline throughout the day.

To make the space more visually appealing, also consider getting a beautiful rug or some nice artwork. It doesn’t have to be expensive.

25. Lap Desk

When you’re ordering your armchair for your home office, keep in mind that your laptop may not sit comfortably directly on your lap.

LAPGEAR Ergo Pro Lap Desk with 20 Adjustable Angles, Mouse Pad, and Phone Holder – Gray – Fits up to 15.6 Inch Laptops and Most Tablets – Style No. 49405

You may prefer a bit of height with your armchair work setup.

Lap desks are soft on the bottom but hard on top.

A good one will also have a built-in mouse pad as well as an adjustable riser for your laptop so you can work from the most optimum angle.

👉 We’ve been happily using this lap desk in our home office.

26. Coffee Mug Warmer

One of the benefits of working from home is you aren’t tempted to swing by the coffee shop every day on your way to the office.

Coffee Mug Warmer, Candle Warmer, Cup Warmer with 2 Temperature Settings and Auto Shut Off, Smart Coffee Warmer for Office Desk, Cup Warmer, Electric Beverage Warmer for Coffee, Tea, Milk

This doesn’t mean you have to give up on your morning caffeine fix altogether, though.

So that you don’t have to worry about chugging your cuppa before it gets cold, invest in yourself with a mug warmer. These can keep both coffee and tea warm for hours.

So your drink is ready when you are to finish it.

27. Corkboard

Contributed by Jan of Retiring Not Shy

A home office checklist must have a corkboard. Some people like a whiteboard to write on. However, a corkboard is so much more flexible because you can pin things to it.

That includes those notes that might usually be written on a whiteboard, when done with them they are simple unpinned and thrown out, no messy whiteboard markers or wipes.

Quartet Cork Board Bulletin Board, 23″ x 35″ Framed Corkboard, Oak Frame, Decorative Hanging Pin Board, Perfect for Office & Home Decor, Home School Message Board or Vision Board (35-380352)

Use colorful pins to bring it to life and feature a variety of content.

Store paper bills that have arrived but are not yet due for payment, visual reminders of jobs to be completed, and communications from favorite clients.

Pro Tip: A corkboard, messy as it might be to the eye of others, actually helps keep a workspace tidy and provides a source of inspiration.

In addition, you might like to feature cards from friends and family, and inspirational quotes and humor. 
If your desk directly faces a blank wall, the content on your corkboard can provide your very own form of art and brightens up what would otherwise be a very dull space.

Hopefully, you can’t help but smile when you look at your corkboard, don’t make it all work. A cork board never goes out of fashion either.

If you are considering decluttering your home office, especially prior to retirement, do take advantage of your cork board for featuring treasures that are must keeps, maybe even photographing them for your board.

Home Office Checklist: Other Essentials

28. Fireproof Safe

Fireproof safes are great for protecting paper documents against fire.

Sentry Safe Safe Box, Fireproof Waterproof, Lock Box, Black, Exterior: 14.3 in W x 13 in D x 6.1 in H

They are an essential security precaution in case a fire breaks out in your home.

While no one wants to think about these sorts of things, they do happen.

It’s better to be prepared and ensure that your most important paper documents are protected.

29. Wastebasket

From lunch leftovers you didn’t feel like taking the stairs to throw out to misprinted pages from an email, you’re going to get trash in your home office.

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Concept Collection Mesh Metal Trash Can, 5-Gallon, Fits Under Desk, Silver, Wastebasket for School/Office/Home/Bathroom

Think ahead and buy a wastebasket.

This will save you a huge headache a couple of hours into your first day working in your new setup when you realize you really need one.

It can be a lovely silver wire one or a functional black plastic one. Whatever makes you happy.

30. Amazon Account

Prime has come a long way since its launch in 2005. Now, a subscription to either Amazon Prime or Amazon Business provides a wide range of features and discounts. These can be really helpful to anyone who works from home.

Amazon Prime

• Super-fast free delivery
• Unlimited music streaming with over 2 million songs ad-free
• Free Prime originals and popular movies and TV shows
• Unlimited photo storage
• Exclusive deals

👉 Interested in giving Prime a try? Signup for a 30-Day free trial.

Amazon Business

• Free accounts or Prime Business Accounts for enhanced options
• Fast delivery
• Business-only prices
• Quantity discounts
• Amazon Business American Express Card
• and more.

👉 Think an Amazon Business subscription could work wonders for you? Try it here.

Organize Your Day

Be more productive at home than in an office. Remember that setting up the best home office possible won’t do you any good if you can’t organize your day for remote working.

One of the challenges people working from home most often face is to stay motivated and focus on the things that matter most.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

✔️ Keep a routine. It’s even more important to have a simple and efficient work routine when working from home than when going to an office.

Wake up at the same time every workday. Don’t stretch yourself too thin but don’t start to drag your lunch break either.

✔️ Start early. Most people are more efficient in the morning. Take advantage of not having to commute to work. Get your most important work done before you take a lunch break.

✔️ Dress for success. Dressing up is just as important when working from home as it is when going to an office.

It’s essential to look the part if you have regular video calls with clients or coworkers. If you must wear lounge pants, at least make sure they’re clean. And pair them with a nice top half.

✔️ Set clear rules with other people in your house. If you’re sharing an apartment with roommates or if you’re living at home with your family ground rules are essential.

You need to ensure they respect your workspace and don’t interrupt you at critical moments.

✔️ Take invigorating breaks. It’s easy to be so totally absorbed in your work when working from home that you lose track of time.

You won’t be able to remain productive for long periods of time, though. To prevent burnout, keep track of your progress and take regular breaks to refresh your mind.

✔️ Leave home. At least once a day, step outside to get some fresh air and maybe a bit of exercise. Remember that your body and your mind both need a daily dose of sunlight in order to stay healthy.

✔️ Ask for what you need. If you work for a company, don’t be afraid to ask your employer for the things you need to be productive when working from home.

A laptop is the bare minimum. However, take some notes from our essentials list to also get things like your mouse and keyboard.

✔️ Keep track of your health. Working from home over a long period of time can put different types of stress on both your physical and mental health.

Keep tabs on your body with health tech gear, such as a blood pressure monitor, scale, and sleep tracker.

✔️ Relax and unwind after work. Don’t mix work with your personal life. When work is done at the end of the day, disconnect and relax.

Don’t keep working past when you would normally commute home from an office. It’s an important part of staying productive and creative throughout the day.

✔️ Sleep well. Sleep is one of the most important parts of your day. A healthy sleep routine will keep you sharp and motivated throughout the day.

Spend your money wisely on a high-quality mattress, as well as comfortable sheets. And most importantly, go to bed at a decent time.

Benefits of a Quality Home Office Setup

Setting up a high-quality work environment at home comes with several advantages. Once you find the right space that’s conducive to your work style, it can help increase your productivity and provide you with other benefits.

Conclusion: Home Office Checklist

Working from home is a skill. At first, it can be difficult. But over time, with practice and some forward-thinking, you can create a highly productive and enjoyable work environment, only a matter of steps away from where you sleep.

Use our home office checklist to build your work-from-home setup over time. Add new features. Make tweaks. Get used to setting boundaries and drawing lines between focus and comfort.

The essentials on our home office checklist will go a long way in making your work-from-home setup a wonderful place from which to work every day.

A good home workstation set up starts off with defining the home office area, creating an optimal work environment, furnishing the office with desks and other items, and then adding all the necessary office accessories.

Once all of those steps are completed, you can finish up with some decorative and personal items. Since you worked on the design yourself, you can expect to have a workspace you are proud of to do your day-to-day work.